YTC: new tires, hoops contest at MATS

FULLERTON, Calif. (March 14, 2014) — Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) will roll out a trio of commercial tires and hold a “Shoot and Score” basketball contest during the 2014 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), taking place March 27-29 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

Making their debut at MATS will be Yokohama’s 902L and 709L ultra-wide-base drive tires and the 104ZR Spec-2 coach/bus tire. The theme for the booth is “Defining the Future.”

“New products like the ones we’ll have at MATS will play a big part in our future, especially with the October 2015 opening of our new commercial tire plant in Mississippi,” said Rick Phillips, Yokohama senior director, commercial and OTR sales.

The 902L long-haul/regional drive tire, which will be available in size 445/50R22.5, is designed to deliver “superior traction and high mileage,” the company said. Features include a 27/32-inch tread depth for traction and extra-long tread life; an advanced rubber compound for lower rolling resistance and reduced heat build-up; seven circumferential grooves; a zero-degree mid belt to provide even pressure and weight distribution; and a specially designed small block and sipe combination for reduced heel-toe wear, increased fuel economy and high snow traction.

The 709L is an on-highway drive tire, which will be available by year-end, also in size 445/50R22.5.

Features of the tire include seven serpentine grooves for reduced tread movement, rigidity and better rolling resistance; double “Z” blocks designed to increase rigidity for heel-toe wear prevention; a 24/32-inch tread depth; and a zero-degree mid belt for even pressure and weight distribution, Yokohama said.

Lastly, the 104ZR Spec-2 all-position tire, which will be available in size 315/80R22.5, is “a workhourse that delivers longer treadwear, low-rolling resistance and enhanced traction, making it ideal for coach and regional/long-haul tour bus applications,” Mr. Phillips said.

The tire includes a five-rib, full-depth tread pattern that Yokohama said delivers a smooth, quiet ride; serpentine groove pattern designed to reduce premature shoulder step-down and irregular wear; block-shaped stone ejectors; and an ultra-wide top steel belt that increases rigidity across the entire tread surface.

In addition to these new products, Yokohama also plans to hold its own “March Madness” basketball contest at MATS, giving attendees a chance to win several prizes, including a $5,000 vacation giveaway, Mr. Phillips said. Daily game winners will be named based on how many points they score in a designated amount of time, and the winners automatically will be entered into a grand-prize drawing.

The drawing will take place at noon March 29 in Yokohama’s booth. The winner of the drawing need not be present to win the $5,000 travel agency gift voucher, good for any vacation of their choice.

MATS participants can also win an iPad Air each day by registering at Yokohama’s booth. Daily winners will be announced at 4 p.m. on March 27-28 and at 1:30 p.m. on March 29 and must be present to win.